Department of Transport Announces New HGV Eco Driving Standard

The Department of Transport has today proudly launched the new HGV Eco Driving Standard, a significant step toward supporting more sustainable and efficient driving practices within the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector. 
 
The HGV Eco Driving Standard aims to improve driving efficiency and reduce environmental impact through a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices for HGV eco 
driving courses. This new standard focuses on reducing fuel consumption, enhancing energy management, and improving maintenance efficiencies, thereby helping reduce costs for a sector that is key to economic activity in Ireland.
 
The standard was developed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) for the Department of Transport.
 
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said: “The introduction of the HGV Eco Driving Standard is an important development in our efforts to create a more sustainable transport sector. By adopting these practices, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the existing vehicle fleet and promote a greener future for Ireland.”
 
Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Seán Canney, added: “This new standard not only supports our environmental goals but also enhances the efficiency and safety of HGV operations. We encourage all training providers to consider applying to achieve the standard and contribute to a more sustainable transport industry.”
 
The HGV Eco Driving Standard is voluntary and open to all training providers who wish to apply. There is no cost to training providers for the evaluation and certification. The Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) has been approved as a HGV Eco Driving Training Provider, following assessment under the standard. 
 
Providers can contact CILT for more information on the application process. For more details, please visit CILT’s website or contact [email protected].
 
The new standard was launched on the same day as the Road Haulage Strategy Stakeholder Session, which was held in the Department of Transport. The strategy runs from 2022 to 2031 and focuses on generating efficiencies, improving standards, securing jobs and helping the road freight sector move to a low-carbon future.
 
The new Ministers were pleased to meet stakeholders from the road freight sector and hear about ongoing implementation of the strategy. The new standard marks an important step for the sector as it transitions to an environmentally sustainable and operationally effective future.